Trump's NATO Rebuke Falls Flat: EU Stands Firm on Russia Energy Deals

Trump's Letter to NATO Won't Shift EU's Course on Russia In a letter published on his social network Truth Social on Saturday, US President Donald Trump accused NATO member states of weakening the alliance by continuing to buy Russian oil and gas. The move has sparked debate in Brussels, but experts say it won't shift the European Union's (EU) course on Russia. Trump vowed that the US would be ready to impose "major sanctions" on Russia once all NATO countries had stopped such purchases. He also called for sweeping tariffs on China, which he claimed would end the war in Ukraine. However, EU officials have long struggled to persuade Hungary and Slovakia, two EU member states still heavily reliant on Russian energy, to fall in line with sanctions. "We welcome any effort to strengthen our alliance, but we will not be swayed by ultimatums," said a European Union spokesperson. "Our policy towards Russia is guided by the principles of sovereignty, territorial integrity, and human rights." The EU has imposed several rounds of sanctions on Russia since its invasion of Ukraine in 2022. However, Hungary and Slovakia have been reluctant to join in, citing their economic dependence on Russian energy. Trump's letter was seen as an attempt to put pressure on NATO member states to align with the US position on Russia. "It's a classic Trump move," said Dr. Maria Schmidt, a political analyst at the University of Brussels. "He's trying to create a sense of urgency and division within the alliance." However, experts say that the EU's course on Russia is unlikely to change in response to Trump's letter. The bloc has been working towards a more coordinated approach to sanctions, but member states remain divided. The situation highlights the complexities of international relations and the challenges of coordinating policy among multiple nations. "It's a delicate balance between economic interests, security concerns, and humanitarian considerations," said Dr. Schmidt. As for next developments, EU officials are expected to meet with NATO representatives in the coming weeks to discuss the alliance's strategy on Russia. Meanwhile, Trump's letter has sparked debate within the US about the effectiveness of his approach. In a statement, a White House spokesperson said that the administration was "committed to working with our allies and partners to strengthen our collective defense against Russian aggression." However, it remains to be seen whether Trump's letter will have any lasting impact on the EU's course on Russia. *Reporting by Dw.*